The government is scrapping the response time for ambulances reaching non-urgent 999 calls. Instead of the target of 19 minutes, non-urgent cases such as the unemployed and those on low incomes will face waits of up to an ‘indefinite period’.
The move has been described as ‘shocking’ by the General Municipal Boilermakers union while Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has underlined the urgent need to free up the nation’s hospitals for people who contribute to society and not wasters. ‘Those scrounging ne’er-do-wells having holidays in the Nelson Mandela Wing will now have to think twice about getting ill or having a violent accident. If they really are in a bad way they can get a bus.’
The move will also aim to free up the roads for the deregulation of private ambulances which currently have to be pre booked. Mr. Lansley said: ‘We envisage patients being able to hail a private ambulance whenever they want and for whatever need.’
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